The most successful players from the draft class of 2004--so far--have been
two guys who weren't even first-round picks: Huston Street, who went 40th overall
to the Athletics, and Jason Vargas, who went 68th overall to the Marlins. Most
of the first-rounders are making slower but steady progress toward the big leagues,
with the exception of a few fast movers such as Justin Verlander. And the inevitable
injury bug has already struck a few players as well, most notably Philip Humber.

SELECTION

SCHOOL

BONUS

PEAK

1.Padres: Matt Bush, ss

HS--El Cajon, Calif.

$3,150,000

Low A

Still early in his career,
but Bush clearly doesn't have the talent of a classic No. 1 pick.

2. Tigers: Justin Verlander, rhp

Old Dominion U.

$3,120,000

Majors

After holding out until last
October, Verlander didn't waste any time this season.

3. Mets: Philip Humber, rhp

Rice U.

$3,000,000

Double-A

Put up mostly bad numbers this
year; Tommy John surgery in July showed why.

4. Devil Rays: Jeff Niemann, rhp

Rice U.

$3,200,000*

Double-A

Nagging shoulder injuries limited
Niemann to 32 innings this season.

5. Brewers: Mark Rogers, rhp

HS--Orr's Island, Maine

$2,200,000

Low A

First prep first-rounder from
Maine will need development time: 2-9, 5.11 in 99 innings.

6. Indians: Jeremy Sowers, lhp

Vanderbilt U.

$2,475,000

Double-A

Sowers has been exactly what
Cleveland expected: polished lefty who will move fast.

7. Reds: Homer Bailey, rhp

HS--La Grange, Texas

$2,300,000

Low A

125 strikeouts in 104 innings,
but was wildly inconsistent in his pro debut.

8. Orioles: Wade Townsend, rhp

Rice U.

Did not sign

Short-season

Went back into 2005 draft and
joined Niemann in Devil Rays organization.

9. Rockies: Chris Nelson, ss

HS--Decatur, Ga.

$2,150,000

Low A

Hamstring problems held him
back this season; batting .241 in 315 at-bats.

10. Rangers: Thomas Diamond, rhp

U. of New Orleans

$2,025,000

Double-A

Hasn't been as dominant since
promotion to Double-A, but could get September trial.

11. Pirates: Neil Walker, c

HS--Gibsonia, Pa.

$1,950,000

Low A

Put together a strong season
(.301-12-68) for an otherwise putrid Hickory team.

12. Angels: Jered Weaver, rhp

Long Beach State U.

$4,000,000

Double-A

Didn't take him long to knock
off the rust after finally signing in May.

13.Expos: Bill Bray, lhp

William & Mary

$1,750,000

Triple-A

Back problems kept him out
two months, but he moved quickly in relief after returning.

14. Royals: Billy Butler, 3b

HS--Jacksonville

$1,450,000

Double-A

A signability pick, now he
looks like an impact offensive player for a team that needs it.

15. Diamondbacks: Stephen Drew,
ss

Florida State U.

$4,000,000*

Double-A

Signed late like Weaver, and
got off to a similar hot start as well.

16. Blue Jays: David Purcey, lhp

U. of Oklahoma

$1,600,000

Double-A

Needs to work on his command,
but showed ability to dominate at two stops.

17. Dodgers: Scott Elbert, lhp

HS--Seneca, Mo.

$1,575,000

Low A

Strikeout-walk ratio of 128-57
in 115 innings showed his potential and weakness.

18. White Sox: Josh Fields, 3b

Oklahoma State U.

$1,550,000

Double-A

He has holes in his game, but
he's adapting well for a former part-time player.